Kapito challenges Malawi candidates to declare assets

Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director, John Kapito, has dares presidential candidates to declare their assets before running for the hot seat.

Kapito made the call on Thursday in the capital Lilongwe when he addressed a group of demonstrators who had gathered at Lilongwe City Council’s Civic Center Offices to witness the presentation of a petition to authorities.

The outspoken human and consumer rights activist warned Malawians not to elect a president with a record of mismanagement of government coffers but they should ensure that all presidential candidates declare their assets before May 2014 election.

Kapito said Malawians needed to vote for a transparent and accountable person .

Kapito speaking to a sizeable crowd of protestors

“All these political leaders we have in the country, their hands are not clean. They started stealing a long time ago,” said Kapito.

“We are going into polls next year and I urge you all Malawians to vote wisely; vote for a president who will not steal from us and make sure that you vote for a candidate who will show interest to declare his or her assets even before taking over the leadership. Let the candidate declare how much money do you have? How many goats do you have?” said Kapito attracting massive ululation from the crowd.

In the two paged petition, CAMA asked President Banda to immediately fire Finance Minister, Ken Lipenga, for failing to lead the ministry following revelations of massive looting at the seat of the government.

CAMA also wanted several top government officials including some principal secretaries to resign for being suspected to have been involved in the looting at the Capital Hill.

Meanwhile, President Banda, acting under pressure from various circles including donors to do something about the cash-gate scandal, has dissolved the cabinet with effect from October 10, 2013.